Reformation group wants nuns hear women’s confession

Kerala Catholic Bishop Council (KCBC) dismissed the demand as a publicity stunt.

The Kerala Catholic Reformation Movement has demanded that nuns be allowed to administer the sacrament of confession to women, but Church officials dismissed the demand as a publicity stunt of some people.

The group, which claims to stand for reforms in the church, organised a sit-in protest on Mar 19 before the archbishop’s house in Kochi to put forward their demand.

Members of the movement held placards and banners, saying women are afraid of performing confessions before priests.

They argue that women’s confessions before priests often lead to their exploitation and want the Catholic church to shed what they called its “patriarchal attitude”.

Former nun Jesme in her autobiography ‘Amen’ suggested that confession often gives the priest an opportunity to embarrass and exploit the woman concerned.

However, Kerala Catholic Bishop Council (KCBC) dismissed the latest demand as a mere publicity stunt.

The demand “is to get media attention and without understanding the core principles of the Bible,” a spokesperson for the council said.